Lepidothamnus is a small genus of conifers in the family Podocarpaceae (order Pinales), comprising three species of evergreen trees, shrubs, and low creepers. The genus is notable for spanning two distinct geographic regions: two species—L. intermedius and L. laxifolius—are endemic to New Zealand, while the third, L. fonkii, is native to the Magellanic subpolar forests of southern Argentina and Chile, where it grows as a low shrub or creeper in moorlands and bogs.
Members of Lepidothamnus are dioecious or monoecious, meaning male and female reproductive structures occur on separate plants or on the same plant, depending on the species. Foliage is characteristically dimorphic or polymorphic, with juvenile leaves differing markedly in shape from adult scale-like leaves—a trait shared with related podocarp genera. Seeds are arilate (nut-like with a fleshy receptacle), typically black, and are dispersed by birds through frugivory.
Lepidothamnus intermedius, known as yellow silver pine, can reach up to 15 m in height and bears distinctive grey-brown bark marked with a red-brown hammer-mark pattern where it flakes. Its wood is yellow. Lepidothamnus laxifolius, known as pygmy pine, is a sprawling shrub typically under 1 m, with a vivid red or crimson fleshy receptacle; it is considered one of the smallest conifers in the world. Both New Zealand species occupy montane to subalpine habitats, frequently on wet ground, and have a combined range extending from the North Island ranges through the South Island (mainly west of the main divide) to Stewart Island. Both have a chromosome number of 2n = 30.
Etymology
The genus name Lepidothamnus derives from the Greek lepido (“scale”) and thamnos (“crowded or close set”), referring to the tightly appressed or overlapping scale-like adult leaves characteristic of the group.
Distribution
Two species—L. intermedius and L. laxifolius—are endemic to New Zealand, occurring in montane to subalpine habitats across the North Island ranges, the South Island west of the main divide, and Stewart Island. The third species, L. fonkii, is native to the Magellanic subpolar forests of southern Argentina and Chile, growing in moorlands and bogs.
Ecology
All three species produce small arilate seeds dispersed by frugivorous birds. The two New Zealand species flower in spring (October–December) and fruit in late summer to autumn (February–April). Both L. intermedius and L. laxifolius are classified as FAC (facultative) wetland indicators in New Zealand, meaning they commonly occur in both wetland and non-wetland settings. L. fonkii occupies moorlands and bogs in Patagonia.
Taxonomy Notes
Lepidothamnus belongs to the family Podocarpaceae, one of the main southern-hemisphere conifer families. Both New Zealand species were formerly placed in Dacrydium (D. intermedium Kirk and D. laxifolium Hook.f.) before being transferred to Lepidothamnus by Quinn. Chromosome number 2n = 30 is confirmed for both NZ species.
